I have a strange love for names like these. Clotilde, Brunhilde, Adalheidis, Berengaria, Swanhilda and yes, Hildegarde, oh how I love you darling clunky old Germanic names. But I don't think our daughters would appreciate them very much, unless they're a fierce strange little creature. If the love of the name runs deep, use it in the middle.

Personally, if my name was Hildegarde, I'd strap my sword around my waist, put my hair in braids, and run gleefully through the streets with a battle cry; shortly before I was arrested of course.

I can see why you like it, but in all honesty, unless you know your daughter is going to be a supreme beauty at every stage in her life (especially those teenage years) I would not use it. I know this is awful to say, but there are some names you need to be a knock out to wear.